The Build On The Fly

[WheelEstate USA]

I'm proud to be able to post on the VAN forum after over a year as a member of this site.
Most of you know that we recently traded out of our motorhome and now have a dodge maxi van we're building into our fulltime home. Our greatest motivation was to enjoy more travel by increasing our MPGs, which has doubled.

I began a video series on Youtube to document building the interior. We will continue traveling this summer and add new fixtures as we go. The series will also include a complete facelift of the exterior.
Hope y'all will follow our adventures and the build on the fly.

Today was day 2 and we got a lot done. It got too dark to shoot video, but in the morning I'll show off what we got done. I'll post the link when its up.

In the meantime, here's the vid of day1...

[video=youtube]

Take care and be safe out there

 

[Van-Tramp]

Very cool. Congratulations!.

What is your build plan?

 

[rvwandering]

That's a lot of stuff! ;-D With all of your experience in alternate living arrangements I'm sure that your built will be inventive and the videos will be very helpful for other van dwellers. I'm looking forward to the day two!

 

[Patrick46]

and they're OFF!!!

keep 'em coming!!

 

[akrvbob]

I rarely watch videos. Any chance you've got some pictures?

If not, I'll break down and watch your videos!
Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bob....You betcha I got some pics. I'll post a few next break.
I do try to keep the vids short and cover as many of the details as I can.

Vid upload for day 2 should be finished shortly....running sorta slow today.

Back to work :dodgy:

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Ok, here's a few pics of what's been done so far.
For now, I put down Reflectix over the rubber mat and cheapo patio carpet...before winter it will get 1/2" foam, hardboard, and linoleum.
The bed frame is easily movable, but much needed storage for the moment.


I use Simpson ties, which I cut to sizes I want (see the vid). Screws are pilot drilled, so there's no splitting. (I've got mass screws of all sizes)

6'X8' cheapie gray carpet $15.

Rear doors 19" space for potty "room" and Margie's dresser.


And, here's the vid of Day 2
[video=youtube]

 

[LughTheBard]

Looking good Jay! Good start! I'm excited toes how you're planning this build. I figure I'll learn a lot from this. Thanks!

Lugh

 

[WheelEstate USA]

VT...Plan?? Was I supposed to plan??

Thanks Lugh....I'm ready to get out of the heat. Hard to get a lot done out there.

 

[Van-Tramp]

Yea man, a plan

In a van, you have to maximize each and every inch of space. Especially if there are two of you in that van... whew

 

[WheelEstate USA]

VT...My plan is ever evolving, as I not only rely on past experience, but also taking good hints from folks like yourself. Your recent build is a fine example.

Yeah, the big challenge of building for 2 has me rethinking lots of things. We're both determined to make a comfy home and I think we're off to a fair start

 

[Van-Tramp]

Cool have fun! And pics, pics, pics

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Thanks VT...We'll be sure to keep everyone up to date.
Hope you'll check our YT channel

 

[Bela's Mom]

Lookin' good there! You've gotten a lot done! Thanks for sharing your pictures. I'm looking forward to the next ones!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I suppose I should do more pics on here for those with limited web access.
I'll start putting more shots up in the future

 

[decodancer]

Looking great guys! Love the videos and look forward to seeing and hearing more.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

DD...we appreciate you viewing and hope you'll subscribe to our Youtube channel.

We'd love to see some pics and vids of your area of the country.
We're looking forward to your reports when you go to the "River" this year.

 

[akrvbob]

How wide is your bed? Are you finding that wide enough?

Judy and I made ours the whole width of the van for maximum sleeping space and storage underneath. Her van is regular length so we don't have the room you have.
Bob

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bob...our mattress from the RV is a double (52" wide) I built the frame 1" smaller on both dimensions so there were no raw corners sticking out.
Luckily Margie is a little gal and I'm a skinny old fart, so it works ok.
I'll be able to sit on the side of the bed in front of the fold down office I have planned.

looking forward to hearing how it works for you and Judy on the Ak tour.

 

[Starlight]

It's good to see a regular height van conversion.

I've just finished my own bed frame (24" x "72" x 14") -- mostly from lumber at Home Depot from the 70% off pile -- I found several long heat-treated 2x4s -- rather than a board for the platform, I'm thinking of using straps, for comfort and ease on my back -- I might come up with recycled rubber straps from something or other. I considered spring sides like a trampoline, but I'll likely go with rubber strapping.

I'm wanting to cover the old carpet in my van with something easy to clean -- without pulling up the old carpet. I'm not sure linoleum is what I'm wanting as it may have to stay flat without being tacked down. Anyone have any ideas??